Embree’s option declined

The A’s decided not to exercise Alan Embree’s option for 2009, making the 38-year-old left-hander a free agent – and leaving the Oakland bullpen very young. Huston Street has the most service time, with four seasons in the bigs, but he’s only 25 and there’s an extremely good chance he’ll be traded this offseason.

I just spoke to Embree, and he’s not unhappy to have the option declined. He plans to play one more season, and he likes the idea of going to a contender and to a club where his role is clearly defined. Considering he’s a lefty and he has loads of experience, he’ll likely attract some decent interest. A’s assistant GM David Forst said that the team has told Embree they’d be open to having him come back if he doesn’t sign elsewhere.

The team also claimed utility infielder Joe Dillon on waivers from the Brewers. Dillon, 33, is from Santa Rosa.